MWN: A really important aspect of becoming a band is the name. How did the name Dyslexic Postcards come about?
Dyslexic Postcards: The name for the band came about because our frontman Joshua Xmas actually is dyslexic and would often write notes, ideas, and song lyrics on postcards.
MWN: How was the band formed?
Dyslexic Postcards: We all met through mutual friends. The band went through numerous lineup changes there wasn’t really a specific or strict criteria we were looking for, it was more of a “We’ll know it when we hear it” kind of thing. Our current lineup works really well together, we bounce ideas off each other and everything blends together to create the sound we want. Basically you could say we just got lucky.
MWN: Where did your passion for playing music come from? Specifically who inspired each of you?
Dyslexic Postcards: We developed a passion for playing music because we were bewitched by the music we heard on the radio growing up and were raised around musician friends or family members. Once we got into watching music videos we went beyond just enjoying it, we wanted to create it. Later, we would sneak into live shows to check out the local bands. Listening to them and watching them perform sparked something in us, making us feel like not only should we be doing this music thing for ourselves but also that we could actually come up with our own unique sound that combined all of our backgrounds and influences. Aside from rock (obviously) we listen to everything from classical, jazz, blues, funk, hip-hop, country, and beyond.
MWN: Can you guys tell me a little more about your album Spare the Altar? What is the story behind it in regards to the sound and production?
Dyslexic Postcards: “Spare the Altar” is an introduction to what we’re capable of doing. The album was recorded in Las Vegas and mastered it in Los Angeles. As a band, we try to record our basic tracks live while we’re together in the same room and with as few overdubs as possible. We find this method better captures our raw sound and gives the songs more of a “live” quality.
MWN: Do you guys write your parts together or separately? Who writes the lyrics?
Dyslexic Postcards: Josh is our lyricist. He’ll present the lyrics and his concepts for the melody and sound of the other instruments, then we will work from there, adding our own individual kicks to the song. The music truly comes together during rehearsal that is when we will kind of “sign off” on a song and then move on to how to make it work on a recording and on stage.
MWN: One of my favorite songs from your album is “Put Up Your Make-Up” Specifically can you guys tell me a little bit more about this song?
Dyslexic Postcards: “Put Up Your Makeup” is about being in a relationship where both parties know it’s been over for quite some time, but it just won’t end whether it’s because of codependency, the time that’s been invested, or for any number of reasons. So, instead, you put up with the bad by romanticizing the good.
MWN: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Dyslexic Postcards: Our music evolved some when we got louder amps, but it’s always been a continuous evolution with our sound and look. We’re not trying to reinvent the hamster wheel though – we incorporate different musical styles but also maintain certain traditional aspects of rock music, such as open G tuning, which came out of the blues.
MWN: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Dyslexic Postcards: First you’ll need to buy instruments and equipment, after that, practice as much as possible and never give up. If you’ve got a passion for music then go for it – get out there and stake your claim!
MWN: Top Three favorite songs?
Dyslexic Postcards: “The Shakes That You Make”, “So So Lover”, and “Give Me Reason to Die.” But we have a single, “Joe Frazier” off our upcoming new album “The Sweet Science” which the band is really proud of and excited about.
MWN: What are your plans for 2017 in regards to your music?
Dyslexic Postcards: We have a lot of plans for 2017, including the release of our new album at the end of summer, several music videos, and a North American tour.
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